Healthy, Happy Lunchtimes at Winford

At Winford Church of England Primary School, we believe that lunchtime is an important part of the school day. It provides children with an opportunity to enjoy a nutritious meal, spend time with friends and develop positive social skills.

Our aim is for every child to feel happy, included and well cared for throughout the school day, reflecting our school values of Aspire, Belong and Care.

Children can enjoy a school meal or bring a healthy packed lunch from home.

School Lunches

We offer school lunches with a choice of meals designed to provide children with a balanced and nutritious midday meal.

Our school meals are provided by Aspens Services Ltd.

Menus are available to help families choose meals their children will enjoy.

How to order: Visit Aspens Select to order school lunches

Free School Meals

Reception, Year 1 and Year 2

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school lunch every school day through the government's Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.

This is available to all children in these year groups, regardless of household income.

Benefits-Related Free School Meals

Some families may also qualify for benefits-related Free School Meals, depending on their circumstances.

Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives a free lunch, it is important to apply if you think you may be eligible.

This is because eligibility can help the school receive additional funding, known as Pupil Premium, which is used to support children's learning, wellbeing and opportunities. Some families will only be eligible for the expanded aspect of Free School Meals, which provides the meals but not the additional support. This is explained in detail on our Pupil Premium page.

Eligible children in Years 3–6 can also receive free school meals.

If you need details of this or for help with an application, please contact the school office. We will be happy to assist you confidentially.

Packed Lunches

Children are welcome to bring a packed lunch from home.

We encourage families to provide a healthy, balanced lunch that gives children the energy they need for learning and play.

A healthy packed lunch might include:

• A sandwich, wrap, pasta, rice or another suitable main item.

• Fresh fruit or vegetables.

• A yoghurt or another suitable dairy or dairy-free alternative.

• A healthy snack.

• A bottle of water.

We encourage families to limit sweets, chocolate and sugary drinks in packed lunches.

Drinks and Healthy Snacks

We encourage children to develop healthy eating habits and make positive choices about the food they bring to school.

Morning Snacks

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are provided with free fruit or vegetables as part of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.

Children in Key Stage 2 may bring a healthy snack to enjoy during their morning break.

Examples of suitable healthy snacks include:

• Fresh fruit, such as apples, bananas, satsumas, grapes or berries.

• Prepared fruit pieces in a small container.

• Vegetable sticks, such as carrots, cucumber or peppers.

• Dried fruit, such as raisins or apricots, in small portions.

• Plain breadsticks, rice cakes or oatcakes.

• Small portions of cheese.

• Plain crackers.

Please avoid sending crisps, chocolate bars, sweets, cakes or sugary biscuits as morning snacks.

Drinks

Children should bring a named water bottle containing plain water to school each day.

Water is available throughout the school day, and children are encouraged to drink regularly.

Please do not send fizzy drinks, energy drinks or sugary squash.

We Are a Nut-Free School

Please do not send nuts, peanut butter or products containing nuts into school.

We have children with severe allergies, and this precaution is an important part of helping keep our school community safe.

Please check food labels carefully, including those on cereal bars, spreads, biscuits and other packaged snacks.

Thank you for helping us protect children with allergies.

Food Allergies and Special Dietary Requirements

We recognise that some children have allergies, intolerances, medical conditions or dietary requirements that need careful consideration.

If your child has a food allergy or requires a special diet, please inform the school office so that we can discuss their needs and make appropriate arrangements with our catering provider.

Please ensure that the school has up-to-date information about any allergies or medical needs.

Lunchtime at Winford

We want lunchtimes to be positive, relaxed and enjoyable.

Children are encouraged to develop independence, practise good manners and enjoy eating and socialising with their friends.

Our staff support children who may need help with their meals, encouragement to try different foods or additional reassurance during lunchtime.

We recognise that some children have sensory needs or other difficulties around food and will work sensitively with families to support them.

Questions About School Meals?

If you have any questions about school meals, free school meal eligibility, allergies or lunchtime arrangements, please contact the school office.

Telephone: 01275 472730
Email: office@winfordprimary.com

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Together we Flourish

Sharing food, friendships and care for one another.